A business park built by the City of Edinburgh Council creating much-needed industrial units in West Edinburgh has now been fully let.
Growing small to medium sized businesses are benefiting from the development at East Hermiston Business Park in Sighthill, built using the Council’s Strategic Investment Fund. The fund was established in 2013 to help create new development opportunities, support business innovation, deliver jobs and promote economic growth in Edinburgh.
The development consists of small starter units totalling 1,600 sqm (17,200 sq ft) of modern industrial space to meet increasing demand and a shortage of quality units in the city as well as giving the Council a new high-quality income generating asset. Research carried out by the Council identified an increasing shortage of good-quality industrial space in the city.
The development, which includes 16 fully let units, will generate a vital income to support Council services across the city.
Cllr Lezley Marion Cameron, Vice-Convener of the Housing and Economy Committee, said: “This development is a great boost to Edinburgh’s economy for businesses who may currently be struggling to find quality units to accommodate expansion. I’m also pleased to see such a mix of businesses in the units in terms of size and what they are trading in.
“There has been a huge amount of interest and although all the units are now let, officers are still receiving enquiries. The model is definitely something we are keen to replicate elsewhere in the city.”
The site has excellent transport connectivity, lying within 500m of the City Bypass and within 100m of Edinburgh Park railway station and tram stop.
Keo Kidd, of Beautifully Covered, said: “The location of the unit is perfect for our business as it’s so central to many of the beautiful venues we work in. We are currently building our summer team for the busy season ahead and look forward to working from our new location.
“We’re celebrating ten years in business and recently won Best Wedding Décor & Linen hire supplier at The Scottish VOWS Awards which recognises companies within the Scottish wedding industry which deliver customer service of the highest standard. This move will allow us to keep up this great work.”
Scott McLaughlan, Customer Care & Plant Manager, Hart Builders (Edinburgh) Ltd, said: “We recently relocated our headquarters to South Gyle but still needed a suitable industrial unit for our maintenance depot. The unit at Sighthill is conveniently located about five minutes away and provides easy access to the bypass and our bases throughout Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and the Borders.
“In addition, it has plenty of storage for materials, plant and carparking and the new facility has allowed us to improve our response times and deliver essential maintenance and supplies to both our sites and customers.”